Collage Press

Die Cut Challenge--Kristin Faust

Hey there Collage Press fans!  I'm thrilled to be hosting this month's challenge and hope lots of you get the chance to play along!  One of the most frequent questions I am asked is "where do you get all of your ideas?"  While this is a tough question to answer for me, (I am a go with the flow scrapbooker), I do get ideas consistently from one place...fabulous product!  One product I tend to reach for time and again are die cuts.  Whether as an entire background or as an accent, they really "shape up" your layouts with little to no effort.  So my challenge this month is to let your product do the talking to guide your layout to completion!

 

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzil. Pattern Paper: Collage Press 12x12 Scallop and Sweet Shoppe. Buttons: Sassafras Lass. Brads: Queen and Company, Target Dollar Spot. Floss: Karen Foster.  Stamp: Scarlet Lime.

In my "Colin and the Bar" layout I started with my scallop circle and picked products from there.  I reinforced the circular them by added stitching, buttons and punched circles.  I repeated the scallop with my stamp choice and used swiss dotted cardstock because of the dots in the pattern paper.  

To make room for my journaling I used regular computer paper to make a template of where I wanted my journaling to be.  I traced an outline in pencil, cut it out and then cut my cardstock accordingly.  This was a fun layout to complete and it all started with that wonderful scallop circle!  

So what cues will you take from your Collage Press Die Cut products?  I would love to see your own layouts shape up!  Link your LO's to this post and I will choose a winner in one week!

And the 2009-2010 DT Members are...

Aaahh--it's 5:26 pm, I'm very late and very sorry to anyone glued in front of the computer right now.

OK, this was seriously the most difficult DT choice EVER. I'm not kidding, exaggerating, or trying to be nice. And many of you will read this after scrolling down to see who's listed--I'd do the same. :) Assuming all of the designers below accept, here are the names for the Collage Press 2009-2010 Design Team:

Lynn Ghahary

Lisa Kisch

Tonya Dirk

Piradee Talvanna

Cheryl Kelly-Van Domelen

Jennifer Beason - Altered Projects

Roree Rumph - Cards

Congratulations!  I'm looking forward to working with all of you!  Any questions, please email me at collagepress@yahoo.com. 

Also, some of our current DT members have asked about staying on for another year, of course, I'd love to keep any who wish to stay! :)

Thank You!

Thanks to all of you talented designers who sent submissions for the DT! I'm posting this today b/c nobody will want to read it tomorrow. :) It's always hard to decide from so many exceptional scrapbookers for 6 spots on one team. I've gone through every single submission, spending 40+ hours over the last 2 weeks, and will be going through the "finalists" AGAIN today.

I appreciate all the time and effort that went into each submission. I just wanted to thank all of you for taking the time to share a little of who you are and what you do. I've been there with the submissions, although not for scrapbooking (I studied illustration in college, and did freelance work after graduation). So I really do know how much effort is involved in putting your best foot forward, and waiting for the list to be posted. Nobody wants to hear they're amazing and talented if they didn't get picked for the team, but in all honesty, there are many designers who applied who would be a perfect fit for this team. If only there were more room! No, really. Thanks again to all of you. 

I'll be posting the new DT tomorrow about 4pm MST. See you then.

CP Official Design Team Call-Clarification Added

***Clarification added for item#1 in Submission Guidelines. We've received many emails asking if the layouts/projects need to be done using CP products. The short answer is no. The long answer is it doesn't hurt IF it's one of your best projects. We just want to see your best work. Projects done with our products catch my eye of course. But the objective is to submit your BEST work, whatever that may be.****

If this information changes layout/project choices for any who have already applied, you're welcome to re-submit. Please mark your submission "CP DT Call Replacement" and we'll delete your original submission. We've received some beautiful work. I'm just starting to go through submissions, and thought it would only be fair to allow those who've already applied a chance to resubmit if this information changes any of their choices.

Hello Designers! It's time to post the 2009-2010 Collage Press DT call. We're looking for talented scrapbookers, cardmakers, and paper crafters to fill some big shoes from our alumni DT. I've absolutely loved working with Lori, Julie, Jill and Renee.

We'll be choosing 4-6 designers to join our team. This call is open to US and international designers. If you're interested in applying, just include images and responses to the six items below. I've even included "sample responses" to the questions to give you an idea of how simple your answers can be.

Submission Guidelines

Please include the 6 items listed below in your submission:

1. Please send us 5-10 images of your BEST work.

ex: 5-10 images of your favorite, best, most-admired-by-others work.

2. Please let us know if you're a scrapbooker, cardmaker, or altered object maestro. You're welcome to submit different types of projects, but you should have the majority of the images represent your specialty. This time around, I'll be looking for people who specialize in cards, layouts, and 3D craft/home decor projects. So if you really love working in one of those categories, please let us know. 

ex: I love making decor for holidays with my patterned papers. Some of my favorite projects include banners, center pieces, and boxes. 

3. A link to your blog (if you have one).

ex: www.collagepress.typepad.com

4. Why you're interested in being on the CP DT. Please don't feel like you need to respond with a 2-page essay to be considered for the team; short and sweet works.

ex: I love CP products and think my style can really make them shine!

5. Anything you think we should know about you. (This would be a good place for those of you who are on several DTs to let me know that you're interested in being on this one and are sure you have time for one more. :) ) Of course, this is also for anything else you want us to know about you.

ex: I'm on 5 DTs for 3 manufacturers and 2 stores. For the last two years I've successfully managed to meet deadlines for these design teams.

6. Contact information.

ex: Name

Address

City, ST (Province), ZIP (Postal Code)

Country

A few weeks ago I posted a "pre-call". If you're interested in knowing a bit more more about how things work on our end, what we're looking for, etc. be sure to check it out.

Send submissions to collagepress@yahoo.com, Subject Line: "CP DT Call". We'll accept submissions until Oct 21st. The new DT members will be posted Oct 28th. 

If you're invited to join the team, you'll need to be able to do the following:

1. Complete 1 project per month to be posted on the CP blog. 

2. Be comfortable (or willing) to host a challenge or tutorial 1-2 times during your 1-year DT post.

3. Spend 1-3 hours a month total to work on Collage Press.

Good luck to everyone! I'm looking forward to seeing all of your great projects.

Julie's Design Challenge Winner

So how many sticks of butter did you eat this weekend? I made cinnamon rolls Saturday morning, and between the dough, filling, and the frosting, used about 2 sticks! The kids were being kids Saturday, running around, playing, fighting over toys, etc. When they started eating the cinnamon rolls, there was silence for several minutes-and that was so nice. Oh and the cinnamon rolls were great too!  Jace and I finished off the last of them yesterday.  We were going to save them for the kids but decided they didn't need any more sweets. :)

Thanks to everyone who participated in the last Design Challenge. Julie came up with a great project. I had several favorites and had to consult Julie for the winner. Everyone came up with such fun cards. We had to pick a winner though. And the winner is Lucy Bales. Here's the cute card she made using paper from our Scrooge & Marley line.

Thanks Lucy! Please email us (collagepress@yahoo.com) with you contact info and we'll send you some paper!

I'm going out of town for a few days and plan to post the official DT call when I get back.

Sept 25th Design Day

I'd like to thank these talented designers for a great year! I'd say more but I think Jill sums it up perfectly. (In case you're wondering how I decide which beautiful project goes 1st, 2nd, etc., projects are posted in the order they were received--otherwise, they'd all have to be first!)

"At Last"

by Jill Sprott

Although for many of us on the design team, this is our last month designing for Collage Press, we are ending our year-long terms on a hopeful note:  one of the themes for this month is “Getting a Fresh Start.”  What better way to end than with a beginning -- a layout celebrating my mom’s new marriage to a wonderful man.  It is my last layout as a design team member, but it is also the first of many layouts celebrating this beautiful union.  

Collage Press Supplies: 

Grayson Hall: Market Paisley PP

Knave of Hearts: Summer’s Day, Queen of Hearts, and Lovable PP

Scrooge and Marley:  Business Partners and Mankind PP

Sweet Shoppe:  Naturally Sweet, Hey Cupcake, and Yum PP

Knave Alphabet Stickers (misted over, removed, and then outlined)

Knave Journaling Cuts

Office Policy Stamps

Other Supplies: 

Maya Mist,  American Crafts rub-ons (date), filigree bead caps, pearls, and stick pins (from the bridal bouquet).

After a year as a member on the Collage Press Design Team, I am even more crazy about Collage Press than I was a year ago.  I wish the new design team members the best -- you all will love creating with these amazing products! 

"Your Secrets"

by Nicole Harper

Your Secrets...by Nicole Harper

products:
Sweet Shoppe Sugar On Top, Chocoholic and Fruity Twists patterned paper
Sweet Shoppe Journaling Cuts
Sweet Shoppe Sweet Shapes
Sweet Shoppe Die Cut Dollop 'Old School'
Cardstock: Bazzill
Thickers: American Crafts
Mini Alphas, paint, heart stick pin: Making Memories
Pearls: Basic Grey
punches: Fiskars Apron Lace, Martha Stewart Royal Butterfly

i originally had only the larger piece of the die cut paper attached to this layout, but then hated to waste the piece that was left behind...so i stuck it behind the larger piece. i punched the striped paper with my Apron Lace punch and then cut it with my trimmer...leaving just enough to keep it together. then i placed glue onto the back of it and started sticking it to the paper along the edge where the dots meet the solid green line. i am in LOVE with the labels, and simply cut all of these into 2 pieces to make them stretch a bit further. a swipe of paint around the photo and some machine stitching along the decorative edge of the die cut paper added a little 'oomph'.

 "Autumn by the Sea"

by Renee Dowling

Autumn time here in Australia, is the perfect weather for the Seaside - not to hot and not to cold. Here is a picture taken of my eldest son enjoy a day in the rockpools by the sea. I have used the Knave of Hearts Paper Collection Kit to create this page.

 

and for some close up's

 

 

 

by Renee Dowling

*****Note******

Lori surprised me with all of the following amazing projects. I'm so glad you're scrapping again Lori!

Back to School
 by Lori Mancini

Thank you for letting me share my work with you all this month. I hope you enjoy my projects as much as I did working on them!  One of our theme's this month is "Back to School" and it is also one of my favorite times of the year.  It is a time of new beginnings,  new hopes, a new season, and a time to say goodbye to the lazy days of summer and hello to crisp fall air here in Ontario. My kids were excited to start back to school this year... of course they weren't thrilled at me taking their back to school photo's - but they need to learn that it is a photo opportunity that I couldn't possibly give up LOL!!

My first layout is of my oldest son, who started high school this year.  We have been discussing how it is a new beginning and a fresh start for him.  This is the most wonderful time of his life and I know that he really can be anything he wants to be so I decided to use that as my "Back to school" theme for his page this year as you can see here:

The Sky's the Limit

MATERIALS USED:

Collage Press Paper:    Knave of Hearts - Summers Day, Queen of Hearts & Crafting Strips, Die Cut Dollop - Ledger 

Collage Press Knave of Hearts: Journaling Cards, Die Cut Rings & Shapes

Collage Press Chip Letters (covered with Queen of Hearts paper)

Other Products used: Maya Road (Acrylic Clock), Making Memories (metal button), Tim Holtz (metal washer), Jenni Bowlin (Sticker-ruler), American Craft (Thickers)

My A+ Boy

Since I had all of my supplies pulled out I decided to scrap my youngest son's back to school photo's as well - and I had lots of fun playing with my goodies on this layout. One of my favorite things about Collage Press products is that most of their product lines go together so well - that when I was making this layout I could have very easily substituted papers from the Citrus or the Jackson Lodge Line as they all had orange that went with these photo's so well!!  I honestly could use every last piece of paper I have been given on this team...they are all so scrumptious!! OK so back to my layout:

MATERIALS USED:

Collage Press Papers:    Knave of Hearts - Charming
Grayson Hall - Market Paisley 
Sweet Shoppe - Sugar on top 

Collage Press Knave of Hearts: Die Cuts & Rings

Collage Press Journaling Cards:     Fresh & Sweet Shoppe Collection 

Collage Press Alphabet Cardstock Stickers: Grayson Hall and Knave of Hearts

Collage Press Crafting Pad: Jackson Lodge

Other:  Pressed Petals (letter A), Pencil & Black ribbon (unknown)

Thanks so much for letting me share!

My Altered Ways for an Entire Day!
 by Lori Mancini

So it just so happens that I haven't been scrapping for awhile now because of a flood that we had in our home - and my scrapbook materials have been all packed up and put away. I've been missing it terribly and so the other day while I was in my local craft store, I stumbled across all of these adorable wooden items, you know the ones made especially for altering.  Well when I saw these I couldn't resist so I brought them home not really knowing exactly what they were going to end up looking like! But let me tell you - I had so much fun creating these items (especially when you have a VERY limited amount of photo's to scrap because my photo computer is still packed away - eek!) So I pulled out my papers, paints and sand paper and started creating - it was such a good feeling!  Once I started I couldn't stop - and spent all day painting, sanding and playing with my new "toys"!

I hope you like what I came up with! They were so simple to make and the so much fun to do! I love, love, love how you can use Collage Press products and use them in unexpected ways! (Like who ever would have thought that you can create a Halloween themed item from the new spring releases!!)

Boo to You!!

Halloween is coming up and next to Christmas it is my favorite time of the year - I love seeing all of the kids dressed up in their costumes and I love that you could decorate your home for this holiday as much as you like.  I have so many photo's of my sons over the years in their costumes that I thought it would be fun to showcase them in the true "spirit" of the holiday - so this is what I created.  Hope you like it!

Here is the outside:

And some shots of the inside - with a few ghost and goblins for everyone to enjoy (but only photo's)!

MATERIALS USED:

Collage Press Papers - Knave of Hearts Collection - Knave of Hearts & Lovable, Sweet Shoppe Collection - Sugar on Top

Collage Press Die Cuts - Knave of Hearts and Sweet Shoppe

Collage Press Alphabet Cardstock Stickers: Knave of Hearts

Other: Black Cardstock, Making Memories (Black Paint, Chain & eyelets), Wooden Shapes (Coffin, Ghost, Bats, Boo, Pumpkin & Fence), Misc Bling, Spider embellishment and Google craft eyes (unknown manufacturer)

Thanks for looking!

My Sweet Cupcakes

The second item I picked up actually ended up completely different than I envisioned but after making my spooky Halloween Tomb I just couldn't resist moving on to the Deliciousness of the Sweet Shoppe Collection.  There is something about the color combination of this collection that just makes me smile and makes me happy...honestly my all time favorite paper to work with ever!!  Love the colors! This is exactly what I was thinking while I was looking through my Sweet Shoppe papers. Looking at the cupcakes just made me happy - so I took my cues from my inspiration and this is what I ended up with! I will sit this on my desk once my scraproom is complete again and it hold my favorite photo's that just make me smile! (It is a spinning Carousel and the lid comes off to store items inside of it. It just may become a home for my favourite embellishments - you know the ones that always make you happy just looking at them!)  I hope this makes you smile as much as it does me every time I look at it!

Jouranling reads: When you look at a CUPCAKE - you smile!

MATERIALS USED:

Collage Press Papers: Sweet Shoppe Collection - Sugar on Top and Fruity Twists

Collage Press Die Cuts: Collage Cuts - Sweet Shapes

Other: Making Memories (Brown Paint), Prima (E Line Pearls and Crystals), Misc Handle

Again thanks for letting me share my work with you all!! If any of you have any questions on how I created either one of these projects - I will be more than happy to post a quick tutorial - as they are both very simple and quick little projects to create! Have a great day everyone!

"AJ--My Favorite Guy"

by Julie Overby

This fall marks a big change for me.  All my children are in school.  The house is more quiet and I'm finding myself holding on to every moment that I have with them.  My only son is moving into the pre-teen age and I'm watching all these fun and crazy changes and asking myself if this is really happening!  Then in a moments notice, I am overcome with a feeling of gratitude to have been blessed with such a sweet and kind boy.  He will always be my boy!

 

Supplies: Collage Press

Pattern Paper/Cardstock - Knaves of Hearts Collection (Knave of Hearts, Queen of Hearts, Charming, Witty)
Crafting Strips - Knaves of Hearts
Die Cuts - Knave Shapes

Other:  Maya Road (chipboard alphabets, Maya Mist) Stickers (pink paislee,) Flowers (Sassafrass Lass,)

Journaling:  I would fly to the moon and back for you.  You are constantly putting a smile on my face and I thank God for you. 

"Lighthouse Kid" by Kristin Faust

 

Since school has been in session for about a month, I thought it was appropriate to document my son's first day as a "Lighthouse Kid."

 Even though I used photos from his first day, my journaling reflects on this past month and what I am feeling right now.  I'm so impressed with his progress and I love how each day he comes home with something new that he learned.  

For this LO I used a leftover die cut from another project. I had an idea for a design and this worked perfectly for my background.  I love how the ledger paper is a perfect accent for a school photo and I couldn't resist handwriting my journaling on those lines.  

  For my embellishments I added clear buttons over stitched lines. I used clear nylon thread from my sewing stash to attach my buttons.  A fun, easy accent that supports the design without overwhelming it.   

Materials: Pattern Paper: Collage Press, Knave of Hearts. Letter Stickers: Collage Press, Knave of Hearts. Die Cuts: Collage Press, Knave of Hearts. Other: Karen Foster Scrappers Floss, Buttons, Nylon Thread.

September Design Challenge

I love to make cards.  They don’t always turn out how I had imagined but I know that when people receive handmade cards, it feels like an extra touch of kindness and thoughtfulness behind whatever the sentiment may be.  So, I try to have as many on hand as possible.  There is one particular kind that I seem to always be short of and that is masculine birthday cards.   Particularly the early teen years of boys when they are just about ‘too cool’ for anything! 

Well, Collage Press has some very ‘cool’ stamps and combining them with the masculine pattern paper in the Knave of Hearts collection, I was able to come up with this card.  I used the stamp set called 'Office Collection.'

The designer challenge for this month is to use your Collage Press paper to create a card that you would love to give away now, or to have on hand for a later date.  If you want to challenge yourself a bit further, try and include a stamp!  This isn’t a requirement, just an idea. 

This challenge will run for 5 days.  Please have your cards linked by September 25^th.   This will be the day you will find more inspiration from the Collage Press Design Team!

Have fun and happy creating!

Collage Press Design Team "Pre-Call"

This is supposed to be a design day, but I think today's topic fits. The next design day will be the 25th.

We've had such a wonderful design team this year it's hard to believe it's nearly time to do another DT call! We get so many responses to our calls that I thought it would be helpful to tell you what we're looking for when we go through the hundreds of design submissions. Everything listed is important to us, but a few are REALLY important.

• We're looking for people who love our products! (and use them)
• Great  design. ***this is a big one*** This is the first thing I look at with each submission. The layout design, as well as the photo of the layout/project.
• Unique perspective. I love the different approaches I get to see from the CP DT each month. 
• Maintains a blog. ***this is a big one*** I visit sooo many blogs when I'm sorting through the submissions. I get a chance to sort of meet you. And this makes the decision even more difficult.
• Maintains a presence on the scrapbook forums.
• Easy going or at least easy to work with. ***this is big too*** I've been very lucky to have all of my DT have this quality.  I don't have a lot of time and I appreciate how much they get done with minimal direction.
• Is the plate too full? ***the final biggie*** We've had some amazing designers submit who just seemed to have way too much going on. While I don't expect the CP designers to design exclusively for us, I generally pass on the designers who are on 8 DT. If you're on several DT and are interested in joining this one, let me know (when you do your submission) if you've been able to successfully manage a similar workload in the past. 

This is just a pre-call. I've never heard of that before, but that's what I'll call it b/c I don't have the submission dates, etc yet. We'll be posting the "official call" in the next few weeks. I thought this would give any designers who've been waiting for the next call a chance to get ready. I don't want to discourage anyone from submitting of course, but I thought it would be helpful to know what's happening on our end.

That's all I can think of for right now--I'm sure there's more, but that's probably enough. :)

Design Challenge Winners

Oh my! I've been meaning to post the winner everyday for a week! Well, thanks for your patience. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

I'd like to thank everyone who participated in Renee's challenge. She made a very fun project, and so did everyone who sent us links. Congratulations to Samantha! Send us your mailing address when you get a chance and we'll send you some great papers!

Here are some pictures from Samantha's blog showing her great project...

Joyride

Thanks for stopping by! Below are the images for Joyride, our new Christmas line. Joyride was inspired by a very fun vintage lifesavers ad. The idea was to capture the exuberance and exhilaration of childhood at Christmastime. I had fun.

Our alphabet cardstock stickers are in a new font. Also, our die cut shapes are now on adhesive chipboard. And we've added 6x12 cardstock phrase stickers.

We are planning to ship everything the end of September. Order forms will be available to our retailers once we've posted the other new products on the blog, next week. (I'm sorry they're not all up today, but it's usually better to show up late and fully dressed than on time in your pajamas!) Retailers, please contact us if you have any questions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kit Winners...

Thanks for all of your wonderful comments and birthday wishes. Here are the winners of the 4 kits:

Tiffany Moyer

Jing-Jing

Jen M.

Felecia

Congratulations! Kit winners, please send us your mailing address as well as your kit preference: Knave of Hearts or Sweet Shoppe.

email us at: collagepress@yahoo.com

Time for me to get back to the drawing board! Stop by on the 26th to see our new papers!

New Release Upate Part 2

Surprise, Surprise, we still have a few loose ends to tie up for the new release. And since my birthday is later this week (I'm looking forward to taking the day off), our new preview date is August 26th.  I know some of you are anxious to see our new products and hope you'll be back next Wednesday. Sorry for any pain and suffering this may cause. :)

Winners for kits will be announced this Wednesday!

August 14th Design Day

With school starting soon our designers have been very busy while finishing up projects! Lori is busy cleaning up a flooded basement, (including her scraproom!) so we won't be seeing anything from her this time. I've been busy wrapping up the new release, so the design team has been on their own-not that I really do that much-they do all the work. They're great!

Leave a comment if you'd like to enter to win a kit. We'll be giving away 4!

Here's what we have in so far, I'll be updating as I get more layouts in.

"Trust in You"

Nicole Harper

i rarely do a layout without a 'label' of some kind, and am in love with the Journaling Cuts. I focused on using both the Journaling Cuts and the Die-Cut Shape sheets this month. 

Supplies:
Sweet Shoppe papers: Sugar On Top, Hey Cupcake
Sweet Shoppe Die Cut Rings
Sweet Shoppe Journaling Cuts, Alpha Stickers, Die Cut Rings and Shapes
paint: Making Memories
cardstock: Bazzill
pearls: Basic Grey
punches: Fiskars, Martha Stewart
machine sewing and vintage lace

i have been having fun with die cut frames lately...filling them in with all sorts of odds and ends is like a puzzle. i made my own frame here from the Knave of Hearts 'Charming' paper and then used a border punch around the edges. then i just filled in the frame with tidbits from the DieCut Sheet and Journaling Cuts. the blue 'frame' is actually the outline of what was left on the Journaling Cuts page after i had punched out the label and used it for something else...i couldn't let it go to waste!! 

Supplies:

Knave of Hearts 'Charming' & Queen of Hearts paper
Knave of Hearts Journailng Cuts, DieCuts
Black & Cream Journaling tape
rub-ons: Maya Road
chipboard accent: Imagination Project
punches: Fiskars, Martha Stewart

paint: Making Memories

"Sweet 7"

by Julie Overby

After taking this photo of my daughter with her hair pulled back, I just couldn't believe that she was only seven.  It made me think about how much she had changed and grown up over this past year.  It really caught me off guard and I wanted to document my feelings about it. 

Supplies:

Collage Press:  Sweet Shoppe-
Shapes
Die Cut Rings
Journaling Cards
Naturally Sweet (pattern paper)

Maya Road:
Chipboard
Trim
Velvet Trinket Flower
Pins

Other:
Glitter - Doddlebug Designs
Buttons - Fancy Pants
Brad - Making Memories

Journaling:  This girl is only 7 yrs old!  Hard to believe.  Your inner beauty that matches your outer beauty, along with your maturity makes you one amazing seven year old!

         A Very Vintage Park

by Kristen Faust

 

I completed this LO following a recent trip to Knoebel's Amusement Park in PA.  While taking photos in the park, I immediatly thought of this paper.  This was a simple LO to put together and I love how the plane looks like it's floating next to the clouds.  I stamped the plane onto pattern paper and then adhered the cut out image with pop up dots.  I outlined my letter stickers so they would be a little easier to see against the photo while they cover a distracting head in the bottom of my image.

Supplies: Pattern Paper: Collage Press Knave of Hearts. Collage Cuts: Knave of Hearts. Letter Stickers: Knave of Hearts. Other: Clouds: Cosmo Cricket. Cork Letter Stickers: Making Memories. Stamp: Studio Calico. Staples. String. Ink. 

                          Tree Farm

 

I have been dying to use this pattern paper as background to a LO.  I really like how all of our blue jackets, (can you tell that we are Penn State fans?) really pop off of the dark background. I love using the Collage Cuts to tuck behind my photos and add little details here and there.  This has become an annual tradition to cut our own tree at Christmas time and I still get a chuckle watching my husband try to figure out the "best way" to cut the tree down. 

Supplies: Pattern Paper: Knave of Hearts. Collage Cuts. Knave of Hearts. Other: Ribbon and Stars: Cosmo Cricket. Letter Stickers: Sassafrass Lass. Label: October Afternoon. Half Pearls: Basic Grey. Photo Corners: American Crafts. Staples. String.

Mini Album

by Jill Sprott

As we await the brand new Collage Press collections, what better way to while away the time than to revisit past collections?  This month, I created a mini-album dedicated to my husband, using a mix of Collage Press lines and products. Poor Rob doesn't get much face time in my scrapbooks, so this tribute was long overdue. 

  

PP: Witty and Knave of Hearts (Knave of Hearts collection)

Collage Cuts Die-Cut Journaling Tag (Knave of Hearts collection)

Other:  Maya Mist, American Crafts Zing Embossing Powder

PP: Witty (Knave of Hearts collection)

Knave of Hearts Journaling Cards

Office Policy star stamp

Other: mist

PP:  Wildflower (Jackson Lodge collection)

Collage Cuts Die-Cut Journaling Tags and Die-Cut Shapes (Knave of Hearts collection)

Fresh Collection Journaling Card

Alphabet Cardstock Stickers (Knave of Heart and Sweet Shoppe collections)

Other: mist

PP: Summer's Day (Knave of Hearts collection)

Fresh Collection Journaling Card

Old School Cardstock 

Collage Cuts Die-Cut Rings (Knave of Hearts collection)

Office Policy stamp

Alphabet Cardstock Stickers (Seeds collection)

Other: mist

PP: Summer's Day (Knave of Hearts collection)

Fresh Collection Journaling Card

Office Policy "Love" stamp

Alphabet Cardstock Stickers (Knave of Hearts and Sweet Shoppe collections)

Other: mist, Claudine Hellmuth paint 

PP: Summer's Day (Knave of Hearts collection)

Ledger and Knave of Hearts Journaling Cards

Seeds Collage Chip Letter "r" 

Alphabet Cardstock Stickers (Seeds collection)

Other: mist

PP: Yum, Naturally Sweet (Sweet Shoppe collection)

Knave of Hearts Journaling Card

Alphabet Cardstock Stickers (Seeds collection)

Other: mist

PP: Naturally Sweet (Sweet Shoppe collection), Knave of Hearts (Knave of Hearts collection)

Ledger Journaling Card

Old School cardstock

Alphabet Cardstock Stickers (Camden collection)

Office Policy "Happiness" stamp

Other: mist

PP: Queen of Hearts and Knave of Hearts (Knave of Hearts collection)

Alphabet Cardstock Stickers (Seeds collection)

Time Keeper calendar stamp

Other: mist

My daughter contributed to the album by listing the top ten things that she loves about her dad. 

PP: Queen of Hearts and Knave of Hearts (Knave of Hearts collection)

Knave of Hearts Journaling Card

Alphabet Cardstock Stickers (Camden collection)

Office Policy star stamp

Other: mist

PP: Itinerary (Camden collection)

Alphabet Cardstock Stickers (Camden collection)

Collage Cuts Die-Cut Journaling Tag

Ledger Journaling Card

Time Keeper clock stamp

Other: mist

PP: Witty (Knave of Hearts collection)

Alphabet Cardstock Stickers (Camden collection)

Knave of Hearts Journaling Card

Other: mist

PP: Hey Cupcake (Sweet Shoppe)

Ledger Journaling Card

Collage Cuts Die-Cut Journaling Tag (used as a mask)

Alphabet Cardstock Stickers (Camden and Sweet Shoppe collections)

Time Keeper "Yesterday", "Today," and "Tomorrow" stamps

Other: mist

PP: Charming (Knave of Hearts collection), World Traveler Black (Grayson Hall collection)

Alphabet Cardstock Stickers (Camden collection)

Knave of Hearts Journaling Card

Office Policy "Noteworthy" stamp

Other: mist

PP: Yum (Sweet Shoppe collection), Wildflower (Jackson Lodge collection)

Alphabet Cardstock Stickers (Seeds and Sweet Shoppe collections)

Collage Cuts Die-Cut Journaling Tag (used as a mask)

Office Policy "Love" stamp

AUGUST DESIGN CHALLENGE

Good evening everyone - it's early evening where I am, all the way over here in Australia and the weather is still a little chilly but I can feel the days are starting to warm up - thank goodness because I tend to spend way to much time tucked up inside trying to keep as warm as possible the cold whether and I just don't mix - so bring on the Summer I say!!!

Now enough chat, time to get to the important part - the design challenge for August - so as you can imagine with me spending lots of time indoors at the moment I thought it would be fun to create a home decor project for this months challenge, Elly  has been asking me for a few weeks now to make her a new money box for her room , so I whipped down to my $2 shop and came back with a rather ordinary looking tin and then transformed into a cute little piece of home decor for Elly's room using none other than a gorgeous selection of die cuts and papers from the Sweet Shop range.

      

      

So for the August design challenge you will need to create your own piece of home decor  using  Collage Press - anything goes that you would love to see in your home -deadline is 31st of August Midnight, just leave a comment on this post directing us to your creation whether it be a blog or a Gallery.Someone will win  a selection of Collage Press Sweet Shop goodies. 

New Release Update

 

Thanks for all of your inquiries about our next release! "The Starlet" is of one of our four new lines. I'll be posting images for all four product lines Tuesday, August 18th. We'll also have order forms and shipping info available by then. Until then, I'll be very busy wrapping everything up...

Just a note to kit clubs--I won't be able to show any "sneaks" before the 18th-so sorry! I'm usually swapping colors around right up to the end! So it would be frustrating for you and a little awkward for me. :) So I hope this little snippet will help you to know that more new papers are on the way. 

Our next Design Day will be Friday, August 14th!! 

And the winners are...

Thanks so much for all of your comments! Here are the winners of our Knave of Hearts Kit and some 12x12 Die Cut Papers drawing:

kayla
mandee mattioli

We're actually sold out of Knave Kits at the moment so these girls are getting the last two! Don't worry, we'll have more in soon.

Congratulations to the winners. Send us you mailing info, and we'll get the kits right out.

******

I forgot to include the email address:

collagepress@yahoo.com

July 15th Design Day-Another Fabulous Round of Layouts! And Another Giveway!

Just take a look at these beautiful projects. Our designers have done it again! For this month, some of the theme ideas were :

Someone who has been a strength and inspiration
Favorite summer outing-getaway
The ONE thing you have to do this summer
Summer traditions

I'd like to thank each of them for doing such an amazing job! This month we included some beautiful Maya Road products with our projects. It looks like everyone enjoyed using them. For details on specific products, check out the supply list.

Leave a comment (by July 20th) to be entered in a drawing to win a Knave of Hearts Kit and and some 12x12 die cut papers. We'll pick winners Tuesday, July 21st.

“Timeless”

by Jill Sprott 

 

My mother is a continual source of strength and inspiration for me, not just because she is my mother, but because she truly embodies love.  In her interactions with everyone, her warmth and generosity shine through -- she really is amazing.  When she saw this photo (which is one of my favorites of her), she said, “I look old,” and that bothered me. I don’t see her that way.  Time has a hold on us, yes, but love endures as well.  Thus, this layout was born.  

Collage Press Supplies: 

Knave of Hearts Witty PP

Knave of Hearts Lovable PP

Knave of Hearts Charming PP

Knave of Hearts Summer’s Day PP 

Sweet Shoppe Yum PP 

Knave Crafting Strips

Knave Journaling Cards

Knave Alphabet Stickers (inked) 

Knave of Hearts Collage Cuts Die Cut Rings

Knave of Hearts Collage Cuts Die-Cut Journaling Tags

Knave of Hearts Collage Cuts Die-Cut Shapes

(Note: I used the die-cut tags/shapes as masks and misted over them to create the “pattern” on the far left).  

Maya Road Supplies: 

Maya Mist

“Home” Singleton Stamp (heart)

VIntage Pearl Trinket Pins

Clocks Deux Rub-ons 

Suede Stitched Blossom 

Velvet Stitched Blossoms

(Note: the flowers were originally pink, but I misted them with red Maya Mist; I also embossed and painted the smaller flowers). 

Other Supplies: 

Shamrock Cardstock (American Crafts)

Zing Embossing Powder (American Crafts)

Apron Lace Punch (Fiskars)

Paint (Claudine Hellmuth)

"Escape: Summer Reading 2009"

by Jill Sprott 

One of my favorite summer pastimes is reading.  Throughout the busy school year, I try to read for pleasure as often as I can, but it isn't until summer comes that I can just fall into reading.  This summer, my daughter has embraced a love of reading, too.  She's been spending most days with her head in a book.  Of course, one of my other favorite summer activities is scrapping, so I couldn't resist making a page to document Zoe's summer reading list.  (On a side note, did you notice that Julie and I both have pages titled, "Escape"? Hmm...I wonder if we're in need of some extra vacation time this year.) 

Collage Press Supplies:

12 X 12 Dollop "Ledger" Cardstock

Sweet Shoppe Naturally Sweet PP

Sweet Shoppe Sugar on Top PP

Sweet Shoppe Hey Cupcake PP

Sweet Shoppe Crafting Strips

Sweet Shoppe Collage Cuts Die-Cut Journaling Tags

Sweet Shoppe Alphabet Cardstock Stickers

Seeds Alphabet Cardstock Stickers

Maya Road Supplies:

Philadelphia Number Chipboard (I aligned the numbers and used them as a mask.)

Maya Mist

“10 Reasons”

by Nicole Harper

 

 

after taking some pics of my daughter and husband on Father's Day, i thought i would make a page about some of his awesome 'Dad qualities'. if you haven't used the Grayson Poster alphabet stamps yet...what are you waiting for?! easily one of the most versatile stamp sets i've used...they just add a touch of fun, don't they? and being a scrapper who LOVES anything to do with numbers, these Maya Road chipboard numbers have earned a special place in my stash. i cut out the thin red dot border around my journaling paper from the Knave of Hearts paper, and saved the red part for another project. after painting the chipboard numbers and distressing them a bit, i spritzed them with just a touch of the Silver Maya Mist...it toned down the red paint perfectly. don't throw away the tidbits you tear off either...the red border at the top of the numbers was actually from the bottom where i tore the edge, i just flipped it over. and if you don't have lined ledger paper to journal with, grab a ruler and draw your own! i'm a big fan of drawing lines lightly in pen to journal on...you'll look at your papers in a whole new way.

Supplies:
Knave of Hearts paper
Charming paper
Witty paper
Lovable paper
Knave shapes die-cuts
Grayson Upper and Lower Large Poster stamps
Versafine ink
Maya Road: Chicago chipboard numbers, pearl stickpin and Silver Mist
Making Memories: green ribbon and paint
KaiserCraft: red pearl
Bazzill: cardstock
machine sewing

“Escape”

by Julie Overby

 

Supplies:

Collage Press: Knave of Hearts Pattern Paper (Lovable,) Knave Journaling Cards, Knave Crafting Strips, Knave-Die Cut Rings, Knave Shapes,  Die Cut Dollop "Dreamy"

Other:  Chipboard - Maya Road, Maya Mist - Maya Road, Alphabet Stickers - My Little Shoe Box, Ink - Versa Magic Chalk Ink

This is a layout I created with photos from a beach that we love to visit every summer.  The pictures are actually of my brother who was just in awe as the waves crashed way higher than he had ever imagined.  I'm hoping he'll come visit us every year and join us when we head to this beautiful spot on the Oregon Coast.

Journaling: There's nothing quite like leaving your cares behind to come and hear the majestic roar of the ocean waves crashing against the rocks.  This was a defining moment for you as it brougth you closer to your creator.  Here's hoping for a new tradition.

Oh! The Places You'll Go!
by Lori Mancini

As school is officially out here for the summer I had the joy of watching my oldest son graduate from Elementary School (Grade 8) and become excited for all of the new changes and possibilities that he will encounter in High School next year.  I have always been active on our School's Council - and finally one of my children got to receive "Oh The places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss which is given to each graduate as a traditional gift.  I wanted to make sure I captured this moment and this photo is of my son right after his book was handed to him at Graduation.  I love the expression on his face - but most of all I was shocked to look at this photo and see a fine young man emerging from the child I am used to. 

Journalling is taken from part of the book and is my favourite verse - It reads:

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own.
And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.

 

 

 

Supply List

White Cardstock - Bazzill
Collage Press Knave of Hearts Doubletake (black border paper)
Collage Press Sweet Shoppe Die Cut Paper - Dreamy
Collage Press Crafting Strips - Knave of Hearts )
Collage Press Die Cut Rings (red circle)
Collage Press Knave of Hearts PP - Summer Day (clouds)
Collage Press Journalling Cards
Collage Press Die Cut Shapes (Bingo Card, Stars, and words)
Collage Press Alphabet Cardstock Stickers

Maya Road - Acrylic Clock Face and Hands
Maya Road - White Pearl Pins
Making Memories - Blue Brad
Liquid Pearls
Stickles
Misc Ribbon

Thanks so much for letting me share my project with you all!  Have a great day everyone!

 

 

“Summer Lovin”

by Renee Dowling

 Summer would have to be my favorite Time of year - it is this time of year, when I know my Husband is off work and we spend most of the days hangin out on the beach with our family and Friends  - I would definitely say this is our family tradition - and I love it!!! 

      

      

       

      

      

The Products  used in the Project

Collage Press Knave of Hearts - Pattern Paper

Collage Press Knave of Hearts - Die Cut Rings

Collage Press Knave of Hearts - Cardstock Stickers

Maya Road - Ball Ribbon

Maya Road - Pins

Maya Road - Scroll Rubons

Maya Road - Chipboard Alphabet

Maya Road Mist

Kaisercraft Pearls and Rhinstones

“Cupcake Lollipops”

by Kristen Faust

Like others, as soon as I opened the Sweet Shoppe Collection I knew which photos I would use.  I made these cupcake lollypops for my son's Valentine's Day party.  My son has multiple food allergies and I am always on the lookout for neat recipes that I can alter.  Needless to say, the kids thought these were the "coolest ever," and the expression on my son's face that HIS Mom brought them in was totally worth the sleepless night.

I wanted to highlight the date on this die cut paper so I removed the squares I didn't need and then backed them with pattern paper.  To get an idea of how big to cut my pattern paper, I flipped the side I wanted to use face down and traced the squares onto the wrong side of the pattern paper.  I then cut accordingly!  That way I wasted very little paper and didn't have any holes to try to cover up. 

I added stiching for detail as well as to highlight my date. 

Here's a closeup.

 

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill. Pattern Paper: Sweet Shoppe-Naturally Sweet, Sugar on Top. Die Cuts: Sweet Shoppe-Collage Cuts Shapes Sweet, Collage Cuts Journaling Spots, 12x12 Pink Zig Zag. Letter Stickers: Adorn It. Buttons, Brad: American Crafts. Pin: Maya Road. Other: String, Staples and Paper Clip.

June Design Challenge Winner

First off, I just have to say that I loved every single one of the layouts posted in response to the June Design Challenge.  Not only did you all rock the Collage Press, but you amazed me, with page after page celebrating fathers.  It was just what I had hoped to see when I posted the challenge, and you all delivered!  

Alas, only one of you can win the giveaway (this time around, at least!).  Since all of the layouts were equally wonderful to me, the winner was chosen randomly.  The winner of the challenge is the creator of this awesome layout: 

Congratulations, Heather!  What a sweet (and funny) layout!  Please send us your shipping info:  collagepress@yahoo.com. 

Also, if you all haven't yet seen the other pages posted, be sure to click on the links in the comment section of the June Design Challenge post.  You won't be disappointed!  

While you are waiting.....

How gorgeous is Jill's lattest LO created for the fathers Day Challenge? Mmmm just stunning!.

I've been checking out all the gorgeous creations from Jill's challenge and I must say, WOW, WOW ,WOW ..you girls have created some beautiful LO's with the Collage Press Products..so while your waiting for a winner to be announced, I thought I'd let you all know that I have another giveaway over on my Blog for some Sweet Shop goodness - so please pop over, leave a comment on my BLOG  and let me know you want the stash and leave a comment right here too - just to double your chances!!!

 

Show and Tell...

If you'd like to enter to win a Knave of Hearts Crafting Kit for Jill's design challenge, be sure to post a link to your project in the comments!

We've been told about another giveaway by www.ScrapAttackScrapbooking.com . They're featuring some of our products in their newest kit. Take a look below...

,

Just head over to their blog, {SAS}sy Blog , (http://scrapattackscrapbooking.blogspot.com/) and leave a comment! Their contest is open to US residents only. 

We've been receiving Collage Press projects from some of our retailers. Just wanted to do a little show and tell...

Tricia from concroption.com showed me this beautiful frame which I think can be made from this month's kit:

http://www.concroption.com/Scrapbook/Product/June-2009-designerKIT-10395.aspx

And here are some wonderful projects from La Scrapinerie in France...

Thanks for sharing your great projects with us!